Wishaw Cable Thefts Cause Disruption
British Transport Police (BTP) is appealing for information after two cable thefts - in two days - at the same location.
Around 7.00am on Wednesday following a signalling failure, officers attended the railway line in the Wishaw area and discovered a quantity of signalling cable had been cut – but not removed.
The day before, around 5.45am, a quantity of the same cable was discovered burned at the same place – Garriongill Junction.
Officers believe the two offences were committed by the same people and are currently carrying out house-to-house enquiries in the area to identify those responsible.
Meanwhile, Temporary Chief Inspector Stuart Wilson, is appealing for anyone who has information about the thefts to contact BTP as a matter of urgency.
He said: “While we have seen a decrease in the number of cable and metal thefts from a high of several years ago we are still experiencing incidents. Those who indulge in this criminal activity put themselves and other rail users in danger and cause inconvenience and disruption to services, while the damage costs thousands of pounds to repair. Anyone who has information which can help us track down the culprits is urged to get in touch.” British Transport Police can be contacted on 0800 40 50 40 or by texting 61016.
Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.